KKK Leader, Charles Robert Barefoot Jr., Sentenced On Weapons Charges

Raleigh, NC -- A leader of a Ku Klux Klan group from Benson has been sentenced for his role in a plot against the Johnston County sheriff.

Fifty-year-old Charles Robert Barefoot Jr., was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Terrence Boyle also ordered Barefoot to serve three years of probation after he completes his prison term.

Barefoot was convicted in September on six counts of weapons and explosives violations. Prosecutors said the charges were related to a plan to kill Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell.

Prosecutors said at the trial that Barefoot blamed Bizzell for the failure of a nightclub Barefoot operated more than a decade ago.

Prosecutors also say Barefoot was upset because Benson officials would not let his group march in the annual Mule Parade.